Stapling system for use with wire staples and stamped staples

ABSTRACT

A staple cartridge system is disclosed. The staple cartridge system can be used interchangeably with different staple cartridges. For example, the staple cartridge system can be used interchangeable with a staple cartridge comprising wire staples and with a staple cartridge comprising stamped staples. The stamped staples can be stamped from a sheet of flat stock.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in variousarrangements, to surgical stapling and cutting instruments and staplecartridges for use therewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various features of the embodiments described herein, together withadvantages thereof, may be understood in accordance with the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings asfollows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an end effector of a surgical staplinginstrument in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge for use withthe end effector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a wire staple removably stored in thestaple cartridge of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a staple driver configured to eject thestaple of FIG. 3 from the staple cartridge of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge for use withthe end effector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a staple removably stored in the staplecartridge of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an illustration depicting that the staples of the staplecartridge of FIG. 2 and the staples of the staple cartridge of FIG. 4are alignable with the forming pockets of an anvil of the end effectorof FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the staple of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a partial side view of the staple of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a partial side view of the staple of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 depicts a sled of the staple cartridge of FIG. 4 directlyengaging the staple of FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge ofFIG. 4 illustrating the staple of FIG. 5 in an unfired position;

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge ofFIG. 4 illustrating the staple of FIG. 5 in a fired position;

FIG. 13 comprises a perspective view and an elevational view of analternative embodiment of the staple of FIG. 5;

FIG. 14 comprises a perspective view and an elevational view of aversion of the staple of FIG. 5 having non-parallel staple legs;

FIG. 15 is a partial plan view of a staple cartridge in accordance withat least one embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a rear elevational end view of a sled for use with the staplecartridge of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the sled of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of a cartridge body of thestaple cartridge of FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a partial plan view of an anvil for use with the staplecartridge of FIG. 15;

FIG. 20 is a partial plan view of a staple cartridge in accordance withat least one embodiment; and

FIG. 21 is a front elevational end view of a sled for use with thestaple cartridge of FIG. 20.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplifications set out hereinillustrate various embodiments of the invention, in one form, and suchexemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of theinvention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Jun. 24, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,834, entitled STAMPED    STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES USING THE SAME; now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2017/0367699;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,788, entitled STAPLE    CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OVERDRIVEN STAPLES; now U.S. Patent Application    Publication No. 2017/0367698;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,818, entitled STAPLE    CARTRIDGE COMPRISING OFFSET LONGITUDINAL STAPLE ROWS; now U.S.    Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0367697; and-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/191,775, entitled STAPLE    CARTRIDGE COMPRISING WIRE STAPLES AND STAMPED STAPLES; now U.S.    Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0367695.

The Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. DesignPatent Applications that were filed on Jun. 24, 2016 and which are eachherein incorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,218, entitled    SURGICAL FASTENER; now U.S. Design Pat. No. D826,405;-   U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,227, entitled    SURGICAL FASTENER; now U.S. Design Pat. No. D822,206;-   U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,259, entitled    SURGICAL FASTENER CARTRIDGE; and-   U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/569,264 entitled SURGICAL    FASTENER CARTRIDGE.

The Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. PatentApplications that were filed on Aug. 26, 2015 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,324, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLES FOR MINIMIZING STAPLE ROLL;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,411, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLES COMPRISING HARDNESS VARIATIONS FOR IMPROVED FASTENING OF    TISSUE;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,058, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLE STRIPS FOR PERMITTING VARYING STAPLE PROPERTIES AND ENABLING    EASY CARTRIDGE LOADING;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,110, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLING CONFIGURATIONS FOR CURVED AND CIRCULAR STAPLING    INSTRUMENTS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,036, entitled STAPLE    CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY WITHOUT A BOTTOM COVER;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,077, entitled STAPLE    CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING STAPLE CAVITIES FOR PROVIDING BETTER    STAPLE GUIDANCE;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,225, entitled STAPLE    CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY INCLUDING STAPLE GUIDES;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,351, entitled STAPLE    CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING STAPLE ALIGNMENT FEATURES ON A FIRING    MEMBER;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,163, entitled STAPLE    CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING VARIOUS TISSUE COMPRESSION GAPS AND    STAPLE FORMING GAPS;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,294, entitled STAPLES    CONFIGURED TO SUPPORT AN IMPLANTABLE ADJUNCT;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,375, entitled STAPLES    COMPRISING A COVER;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,137, entitled STAPLE    CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY INCLUDING FEATURES FOR CONTROLLING THE ROTATION    OF STAPLES WHEN BEING EJECTED THEREFROM; and-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/836,020, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLES COMPRISING FEATURES FOR IMPROVED FASTENING OF TISSUE.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Dec. 23, 2013 and which are eachincorporated by reference herein in their respective entireties:

-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,554, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE SHAFT ARRANGEMENTS; now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2015/0173789;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,465, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES; now U.S. Patent Application    Publication No. 2015/0173744;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,474, entitled ARTICULATABLE    SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARATE AND DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING    SYSTEMS; now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0173745;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,485, entitled SURGICAL    CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH INDEPENDENT JAW CONTROL    FEATURES; now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0173746;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,475, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLES AND STAPLE CARTRIDGES; now U.S. Patent Application    Publication No. 2015/0173749;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,481, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLES AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME; now U.S. Patent Application    Publication No. 2015/0173750;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,489, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLES, STAPLE CARTRIDGES AND SURGICAL END EFFECTORS; now U.S.    Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0173751;-   U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/477,488, entitled    SURGICAL FASTENER;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,505, entitled FASTENER    CARTRIDGE COMPRISING AN EXTENDABLE FIRING MEMBER; now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2015/0173760;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,518, entitled FASTENER    CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER CONFIGURED TO DIRECTLY ENGAGE    AND EJECT FASTENERS FROM THE FASTENER CARTRIDGE; now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2015/0173761;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,530, entitled FASTENER    CARTRIDGE COMPRISING A FIRING MEMBER INCLUDING FASTENER TRANSFER    SURFACES; now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0173762;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,507, entitled MODULAR    SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.    2015/0173747;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,497, entitled SURGICAL    CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS;    now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0173755; and-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/138,516, entitled SURGICAL    CUTTING AND STAPLING METHODS; now U.S. Patent Application    Publication No. 2015/0173756.

Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and useof the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated inthe accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components, andelements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure theembodiments described in the specification. The reader will understandthat the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limitingexamples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structuraland functional details disclosed herein may be representative andillustrative. Variations and changes thereto may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the claims.

The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and“comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and“having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and“including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains”and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a surgicalsystem, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or“contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements,but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements.Likewise, an element of a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,”“has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more features possesses those oneor more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one ormore features.

The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to aclinician manipulating the handle portion of a surgical instrument. Theterm “proximal” refers to the portion closest to the clinician and theterm “distal” refers to the portion located away from the clinician. Itwill be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity, spatialterms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, and “down” may be usedherein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments areused in many orientations and positions, and these terms are notintended to be limiting and/or absolute.

Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performinglaparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, thereader will readily appreciate that the various methods and devicesdisclosed herein can be used in numerous surgical procedures andapplications including, for example, in connection with open surgicalprocedures. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, the readerwill further appreciate that the various instruments disclosed hereincan be inserted into a body in any way, such as through a naturalorifice, through an incision or puncture hole formed in tissue, etc. Theworking portions or end effector portions of the instruments can beinserted directly into a patient's body or can be inserted through anaccess device that has a working channel through which the end effectorand elongate shaft of a surgical instrument can be advanced.

A surgical stapling system can comprise a shaft and an end effectorextending from the shaft. The end effector comprises a first jaw and asecond jaw. The first jaw comprises a staple cartridge. The staplecartridge is insertable into and removable from the first jaw; however,other embodiments are envisioned in which a staple cartridge is notremovable from, or at least readily replaceable from, the first jaw. Thesecond jaw comprises an anvil configured to deform staples ejected fromthe staple cartridge. The second jaw is pivotable relative to the firstjaw about a closure axis; however, other embodiments are envisioned inwhich first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The surgicalstapling system further comprises an articulation joint configured topermit the end effector to be rotated, or articulated, relative to theshaft. The end effector is rotatable about an articulation axisextending through the articulation joint. Other embodiments areenvisioned which do not include an articulation joint.

The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body. The cartridge bodyincludes a proximal end, a distal end, and a deck extending between theproximal end and the distal end. In use, the staple cartridge ispositioned on a first side of the tissue to be stapled and the anvil ispositioned on a second side of the tissue. The anvil is moved toward thestaple cartridge to compress and clamp the tissue against the deck.Thereafter, staples removably stored in the cartridge body can bedeployed into the tissue. The cartridge body includes staple cavitiesdefined therein wherein staples are removably stored in the staplecavities. The staple cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows.Three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a first side of alongitudinal slot and three rows of staple cavities are positioned on asecond side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of staplecavities and staples may be possible.

The staples are supported by staple drivers in the cartridge body. Thedrivers are movable between a first, or unfired position, and a second,or fired, position to eject the staples from the staple cavities. Thedrivers are retained in the cartridge body by a retainer which extendsaround the bottom of the cartridge body and includes resilient membersconfigured to grip the cartridge body and hold the retainer to thecartridge body. The drivers are movable between their unfired positionsand their fired positions by a sled. The sled is movable between aproximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal positionadjacent the distal end. The sled comprises a plurality of rampedsurfaces configured to slide under the drivers and lift the drivers, andthe staples supported thereon, toward the anvil.

Further to the above, the sled is moved distally by a firing member. Thefiring member is configured to contact the sled and push the sled towardthe distal end. In one or more alternative embodiments, the sled isconnected to the firing member. The longitudinal slot defined in thecartridge body is configured to receive the firing member. The anvilalso includes a slot configured to receive the firing member. The firingmember further comprises a first cam which engages the first jaw and asecond cam which engages the second jaw. As the firing member isadvanced distally, the first cam and the second cam can control thedistance, or tissue gap, between the deck of the staple cartridge andthe anvil. Other embodiments are envisioned in which the firing memberhas only one camming member or no camming members. Such embodiments cancomprise other suitable means for holding the first jaw and the secondjaw in position. In any event, the firing member also comprises a knifeconfigured to incise the tissue captured intermediate the staplecartridge and the anvil. It is desirable for the knife to be positionedat least partially proximal to the ramped surfaces such that the staplesare ejected ahead of the knife.

An end effector 100 of a surgical stapling system is illustrated inFIG. 1. The end effector 100 comprises a frame 190, a cartridge jaw 110,and an anvil 120. The cartridge jaw 110 extends fixedly from the frame190. The anvil 120 is movable between an open, or unclamped, positionand a closed, or clamped, position (FIG. 1) relative to the cartridgejaw 110. In alternative embodiments, the cartridge jaw 110 is movablebetween an open, or unclamped, position and a closed, or clamped,position relative to the anvil 120. In at least one such embodiment, theanvil 120 extends fixedly from the frame 190.

The cartridge jaw 110 is configured to receive a staple cartridge, suchas a staple cartridge 130, for example. Referring to FIG. 2, the staplecartridge 130 comprises a cartridge body 132. The cartridge body 132comprises a deck 133 configured to support the tissue of a patient, alongitudinal slot 135, and six longitudinal rows of staple cavities 134define therein. The longitudinal slot 135 is configured to receive afiring member, such as firing member 270 (FIG. 12), for example. Eachstaple cavity 134 is configured to receive and removably store a staple140 (FIG. 3) therein. The staple cartridge 130 further comprises stapledrivers, such as staple driver 180 (FIG. 3A), for example, configured todrive the staples 140 out of the staple cavities 134. Referring to FIGS.3 and 3A, each staple driver 180 comprises a cradle 182 configured tosupport and/or engage a base, or crown, 142 of a staple 140. Otherstaple drivers are envisioned in which the driver comprises two cradles,three cradles, or four cradles, for example, for supporting and engagingmore than one staple.

Further to the above, the staple cartridge 130 further comprises a sledconfigured to engage the staple drivers 180. More specifically, the sledcomprises one or more ramps configured to engage one or more camsdefined on the staple drivers 180, such as cam 185, for example, andlift the staple drivers 180 and the staples 140 within the staplecavities 134 as the sled is moved distally through the staple cartridge130. The firing member 270 is configured to move the sled distally froma proximal, unfired, position toward a distal, fired, position during astaple firing stroke. In at least one instance, each staple 140 isentirely positioned below the deck 133 of the cartridge body 132 whenthe staples 140 are in their unfired positions. In such instances, thestaple legs 144 of the staples 140 do not extend above the deck 133 whenthe staples 140 are in their unfired positions. In use, the tips 146 ofthe staple legs 144 emerge above the deck 133 as the staples 140 arebeing fired. Such arrangements can reduce the possibility of the staples140 snagging on the tissue of a patient as the staple cartridge 130 ismoved relative to the tissue.

In various other instances, further to the above, the tips 146 of thestaple legs 144 extend above the deck 133 when the staples 140 are intheir unfired positions. Referring primarily to FIG. 2, the cartridgebody 132 further comprises projections 136 extending above the deck 133which are configured to at least partially surround the tips 146 whenthe staples 140 are in their unfired positions. The lengths of thestaple legs 144 are selected such that the tips 146 are positioned belowthe top surfaces of the projections 136 when the staples 140 are intheir unfired positions. The projections 136 are also configured toguide the staple legs 144 as the staples 140 are ejected from the staplecavities 134. In certain respects, the projections 136 extend the staplecavities 134 above the deck 133. Such arrangements can allow larger, ortaller, staples to be used while, at the same time, providing protectionfor the staples even though the staples extend above the deck 133.

Further to the above, the staples 140 are comprised of wire. The wirehas a round, or an at least substantially round, cross-section; however,any suitable cross-section can be used. For instance, a squarecross-section and/or a cross-section having at least one flat side couldbe used. The wire is comprised of metal, such as titanium and/orstainless steel, for example. That said, the wire can be comprised ofany suitable material, such as plastic, for example.

Each staple 140 is comprised of a bent wire which has been formed tocomprise the crown 142 and the staple legs 144 of the staple 140. Asdescribed in greater detail below, the anvil 120 is configured to deformthe staples 140 between an unfired configuration (FIG. 3) and a firedconfiguration. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the legs 144 of a staple 140are not parallel to one other when the staple 140 is in its unfiredconfiguration. In such instances, the staples 140 comprise substantiallyV-shaped configurations when the staples 140 are in their unfiredconfiguration. In certain embodiments, staples having parallel, or atleast substantially parallel, legs when the staples are in their unfiredconfiguration can be utilized. In such instances, the staples comprisesubstantially U-shaped configurations when the staples are in theirunfired configuration.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the staple cartridge 130 further comprises aretainer 160 attached to the cartridge body 132. The retainer 160extends at least partially around the bottom of the cartridge 132 and isconfigured to prevent the staples 140, the staple drivers 180, and/orthe sled from falling out of the bottom of the cartridge body 132. Theretainer 160 is configured to engage the cartridge body 132 in asnap-fit manner; however, the retainer 160 can be attached to thecartridge body 132 in any suitable manner. Moreover, the retainer 160 isconfigured to engage the cartridge jaw 110 in a snap-fit manner toreleasably retain the staple cartridge 130 in the cartridge jaw 110.That said, the staple cartridge 130 can be releasably retained to thecartridge jaw 110 in any suitable manner.

Further to the above, the end effector 100 is also configured to be usedwith staple cartridges other than the staple cartridge 130, such asstaple cartridge 230 (FIG. 4), for example. Stated another way, thestaple cartridge 230, for example, can be used with the end effector 100in lieu of the staple cartridge 130. In certain instances, the endeffector 100 can be used with a staple cartridge 130 and, after thestaple cartridge 130 has been at least partially fired, the staplecartridge 130 can be removed from the first jaw 110 and then replacedwith an unfired staple cartridge 230. In various instances, a surgeoncan selectively and interchangeably use one or more staple cartridges130 and one or more staple cartridges 230 in any suitable order.

Referring to FIG. 4, the staple cartridge 230 comprises a cartridge body232 and a retainer 260 attached to the cartridge body 232. The retainer260 is similar to the retainer 160 in many respects. The retainer 260 isconfigured to engage the cartridge body 232 in a snap-fit manner;however, the retainer 260 can be attached to the cartridge body 232 inany suitable manner. Moreover, the retainer 260 is configured to engagethe cartridge jaw 110 in a snap-fit manner to releasably retain thestaple cartridge 230 in the cartridge jaw 110. That said, the staplecartridge 230 can be releasably retained to the cartridge jaw 110 in anysuitable manner.

The cartridge body 232 comprises a deck 233 configured to support thetissue of a patient, a longitudinal slot 135, and longitudinal rows ofstaple cavities defined therein. The deck 233 comprises a first portionon a first side of the longitudinal slot 135 and a second portion on asecond side of the longitudinal slot 135. The first portion and thesecond portion of the deck 233 each comprise a first, or inner,longitudinal row of staple cavities, a second, or intermediate,longitudinal row of staple cavities, and a third, or outer, longitudinalrow of staple cavities. The first portion of the deck 233 comprises afirst longitudinal row comprising staple cavities 234 a, a secondlongitudinal row comprising staple cavities 234 a, and a thirdlongitudinal row comprising staple cavities 234 a′. The second portionof the deck 233 comprises a first longitudinal row comprising staplecavities 234 a′, a second longitudinal row comprising staple cavities234 a′, and a third longitudinal row comprising staple cavities 234.

Further to the above, the staple cavities 234 a and the staple cavities234 a′ are similar in many respects except that they are mirror imagesof one another. The staple cavities 234 a can be referred to as‘left-handed’ staple cavities and the staple cavities 234 a′ can bereferred to as ‘right-handed’ staple cavities. Of course, left and rightis a matter of perspective and a different, or even opposite,nomenclature could be utilized. Moreover, any suitable arrangement ofleft-handed staple cavities 234 a and right-handed staple cavities 234a′ can be utilized.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, and 14, a staple 240 is removably stored ineach staple cavity 234 a. Referring to FIG. 13, a staple 240′ isremovably stored in each staple cavity 234 a′. The staple 240 and thestaple 240′ are similar in many respects except that they are mirrorimages of one another. Consistent with the nomenclature used above, thestaple 240 is a ‘left-handed’ staple and the staple 240′ is a‘right-handed’ staple.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the second portion of the deck 233 is amirror image of the first portion of the deck 233. Such an arrangementproduces symmetrical staple lines with respect to the tissue cut line,i.e., a longitudinal incision created by a cutting edge 272 defined onthe firing member 270 when the firing member 270 moves distally throughthe longitudinal slot 135 during a firing stroke. In other embodiments,the second portion of the deck 233 is not a mirror image of the firstportion of the deck 233. Such arrangements produce asymmetrical staplelines in the tissue being stapled with respect to the cut line.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 7-10, the staple 240 comprises a crown 242,a proximal staple leg 244 p connected to the crown 242, and a distal leg244 d connected to the crown 242. More particularly, the staple 240comprises a proximal connector 248 p which connects the proximal stapleleg 244 p to the crown 242 and a distal connector 248 d which connectsthe distal staple leg 244 d to the crown 242. The proximal connector 248p is integrally formed with the proximal staple leg 244 p and the crown242 and, similarly, the distal connector 248 d is integrally formed withthe distal staple leg 244 d and the crown 242. The staple 240 furthercomprises a driver 246 integrally formed with and extending from thecrown 242. The driver 246 comprises a cam surface 245 defined thereonwhich is configured to be directly engaged by a sled 250 of the staplecartridge 230 during the staple firing stroke, as illustrated in FIG.10.

As can be seen in FIGS. 7-10, the crown 242 and the driver 246collectively define a height which is taller than the proximal connector248 p and/or the distal connector 248 d. Moreover, the collective heightof the crown 242 and the driver 246 defines a dimension which is largerthan any cross-sectional width of the staple legs 244 p and 244 d.

As can also be seen in FIGS. 7-10, the proximal leg 244 p, the proximalconnector 248 p, the distal leg 244 d, and the distal connector 244 d donot extend below the driver 246. Stated another way, the driver 246comprises the bottom of the staple 240. Moreover, the entire cam surface245 is below the proximal leg 244 p, the proximal connector 248 p, thedistal leg 244 d, and the distal connector 244 d. Such an arrangementassists in assuring that the sled 250 contacts the driver 246 of thestaple 240, and not another portion of the staple 240.

Further to the above, referring again to FIG. 13, the staple 240′comprises a crown 242′, a proximal leg 244 p′ connected to the crown242′, a distal leg 244 d′ connected to the crown 242′, and a driver 246′integrally formed with and extending from the crown 242′. The driver246′ comprises a cam surface 245′ defined thereon which is configured tobe directly engaged by the sled 250 during the staple firing stroke.Unless stated otherwise, the teachings provided herein with respect tothe staples 240 are adaptable to the staples 240′. For the sake ofbrevity, discussions addressing these adaptations may not bespecifically articulated herein.

Each staple 240 is comprised of a unitary piece of metal, such astitanium and/or stainless steel, for example. Other materials, such asplastic, for example, could be utilized. In various instances, thestaples 240 are stamped from one or more sheets of material. In at leastone instance, a continuous flat strip of metal stock is fed into aprogression die which strikes, or stamps, the strip of material anddisplaces the crown 242 away from, or out of plane with, the staple legs244 p and 244 d. Alternatively, the staple legs 244 p and 244 d aredisplaced away from, or out of plane with, the crown 242. In variousinstances, the progression die is also configured to form one or moreradiused edges on the staples 240, such as on the staple legs 244 p and244 d, for example. The progression die is also configured to coin thetips 246 of the staple legs 244 p and 244 d, in certain instances, andremove any excess material from the strip of material. Each of theseforming steps can occur at one or more stations within the progressiondie and/or within the same forming station, or stations, within theprogression die—the arrangement of which will ultimately produce a stripof staples 240 attached to a continuous bandolier, for instance. Thestaples 240 are detached from the bandolier and then inserted into thestaple cavities 234. In certain instances, the strip of staples 240 isloaded into a loading block where the bandolier is then removed from thestaples 240. Thereafter, the loading block is used to insert the staples240 into the staple cavities 234 a of the cartridge body 232. In atleast one instance, the loading block is also configured to receivestaples 240′ so that the staples 240 and 240′ are loaded into thecartridge body 232 at the same time.

Further to the above, referring primarily to FIG. 7, the driver 246 ofeach staple 240 is attached to the bandolier at a connection point 249which is defined on the distal side of the driver 246. Such anarrangement reduces the possibility of a burr or tag, for example,extending downwardly from the driver 246 and impeding the longitudinalprogression of the sled 250. That said, any suitable attachment point,or points, could be utilized to hold the staples 240 to the bandolier.In addition to or in lieu of the above, a wire burning, or electricaldischarge machining (EDM), operation, and/or any other suitablemanufacturing process, may be utilized to form the staples 240.Moreover, the staples 240′ can be manufactured utilizing any of themethods described herein, among others.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the proximal staple leg 244 p and the distalstaple leg 244 d of a staple 240 define a staple leg plane 241 s. When astaple 240 is positioned in a staple cavity 234 a, further to the above,the proximal staple leg 244 p of the staple 240 is positioned proximallywith respect to the distal staple leg 244 d. Moreover, the proximalstaple leg 244 p and the distal staple leg 244 d of a staple 240 arealigned with a firing axis. This firing axis is also aligned with thestaple legs 244 p and 244 d of other staples 240 when the staples 240are positioned in a longitudinal row of staple cavities 234 a. As aresult, the staple leg planes 241 s of the staples 240 in a longitudinalrow of staple cavities 234 a are aligned, or at least substantiallyaligned, with one another. It should be appreciated that the staple legs244 p and 244 d comprise a width, or thickness, and that the staple legplane 241 s can include the widths of the staple legs 244 p and/or 244d.

Further to the above, referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the left-handedstaples 240 stored in the first inner longitudinal row of staplecavities are removably stored therein such that the staple leg planes241 s of the staples 240 are closer to the longitudinal slot 135 thantheir drive planes 241 c. Correspondingly, with continued reference toFIGS. 4 and 6, the right-handed staples 240′ stored in the second innerlongitudinal row of staple cavities are also removably stored thereinsuch that the staple leg planes 241 s of the staples 240′ are closer tothe longitudinal slot 135 than their drive planes 241 c. Similarly, theleft-handed staples 240 stored in the first intermediate longitudinalrow of staple cavities are removably stored therein such that the stapleleg planes 241 s of the staples 240 are closer to the longitudinal slot135 than their drive planes 241 c. Likewise, the right-handed staples240′ stored in the second intermediate longitudinal row of staplecavities are removably stored therein such that the staple leg planes241 s of the staples 240′ are closer to the longitudinal slot 135 thantheir drive planes 241 c. On the other hand, referring again to FIGS. 4and 6, the right-handed staples 240′ stored in the first outerlongitudinal row of staple cavities are removably stored therein suchthat the drive planes 241 c of the staples 240′ are closer to thelongitudinal slot 135 than their staple leg planes 241 s. Likewise, theleft-handed staples 240 stored in the second outer longitudinal row ofstaple cavities are also removably stored therein such that the driveplanes 241 c of the staples 240 are closer to the longitudinal slot 135than their staple leg planes 241 s.

The staple legs 244 p, 244 d of a staple 240 comprise a tissueclenching, or clamping, portion of the staple 240 which is configured totrap the tissue of a patient within the staple 240 when the staple legs244 p, 244 d of the staple 240 are deformed against the anvil 120, asdescribed in greater detail below. In various instances, the proximalstaple leg 244 p and the distal staple leg 244 d are formed within thestaple leg plane 241 s. In other instances, however, one or both of thestaple legs 244 p and 244 d can be deformed out of the staple leg plane241 s.

Further to the above, the proximal staple leg 244 p of a staple 240 isparallel, or at least substantially parallel, to the staple leg 244 dwhen the staple 240 is in its unfired configuration, as illustrated inFIG. 7. As a result, the staple legs 244 p, 244 d and the crown 242 ofthe staple 240 form a substantially U-shaped configuration when thestaple 240 is in its unfired configuration. In such a configuration, theupward movement of the staple legs 244 p and 244 d when the staple 240is being ejected from the staple cavity 234 a may be easier to controlthan in other configurations. In various alternative embodiments,referring to FIG. 14, the proximal staple leg 244 p and the distalstaple leg 244 d of the staple 240 extend outwardly away from each otherand/or in directions which are not parallel to one other. In at leastone such instance, the staple legs 244 p, 244 d and the crown 242 of thestaple 240 form a substantially V-shaped configuration when the staple240 is in its unfired configuration. In such a configuration, the staplelegs 244 p and 244 d of a staple 240 can be in contact with, andresiliently biased inwardly by, the sidewalls of a staple cavity 234 awhich can resiliently hold the staples 240 in the staple cavities 234 a.

Further to the above, the retainer 260 extends at least partially aroundthe bottom of the cartridge 232 and is configured to prevent the staples240, the staples 240′, and/or the sled 250 from falling out of thebottom of the cartridge body 232.

Referring primarily to FIG. 10, the driver 246 of a staple 240 comprisesa drive portion of the staple 240. A longitudinal ramp 255 of the sled250 is configured to sequentially engage and slide under the drivers 246of the staples 240 to lift the staples 240 upwardly within the staplecavities 234 a toward the anvil 120. The cam surface 245 of each staple240 is defined on the proximal side of the driver 246 and comprises thepoint in which the sled 250 initiates contact with the staple 240. Thedriver 246 of each staple 240 is defined within a drive plane 241 cwhich is aligned, or at least substantially aligned, with thelongitudinal ramp 255. The cam surface 245 is also defined within thedrive plane 241 c. It should be appreciated that the cam surface 245and/or the driver 246 comprise a width, or thickness, and that the driveplane 241 c can include the width of the cam surface 245 and/or driver246.

Referring again to FIGS. 8 and 9, the connectors 248 p and 248 dseparate the staple legs 244 p and 244 d, respectively, from the crown242 of a staple 240. As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the drive plane241 c of a staple 240 is laterally offset from the staple leg plane 241s of the staple 240. As also illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the driveplane 241 c of a staple 240 is parallel to, or at least substantiallyparallel to, the staple leg plane 241 s of the staple 240. In suchinstances, the drive planes 241 c of a longitudinal row of staples 240are aligned with one another along a longitudinal drive axis. Thelongitudinal drive axis is parallel to and adjacent to the longitudinalfiring axis aligned with the staple leg planes 241 s, which is discussedabove.

Referring again to FIGS. 8-10, the longitudinal ramps 255 do not engagethe proximal connectors 248 p or the distal connectors of the staples240. Similarly, the longitudinal ramps 255 do not engage the staple legs244 p and 244 d of the staples 240. Moreover, no portions of the sled250 engage the proximal connectors 248 p, the proximal staple legs 244p, the distal connectors 248 p, and the distal staple legs 244 d of thestaples 240. Instead, the longitudinal ramps 255 directly engage the camsurfaces 245 of the staples 240 as the sled 250 is moved distally duringa firing stroke. As the sled 250 is moved distally, the longitudinalramps 255 slide under the cam surfaces 245 and sequentially lift thestaples 240 upwardly toward the anvil 120 between an unfired position(FIG. 11) and a fired position (FIG. 12). Stated another way, thestaples 240 slide up the longitudinal ramps 255 within the staplecavities 234 a toward their fired positions, as illustrated in FIG. 12.

Further to the above, referring primarily to FIG. 10, the drive surface245 of the staple 240 does not extend into the proximal connector 248 p.The driver 246 comprises a notch, or relief, 247 which separates thedrive surface 245 from the proximal connector 248 p. In variousinstances, the notch 247 is defined in the drive plane 241 c. In atleast one instance, the notch 247 extends into the proximal connector248 p. The notch 247 is configured to assure that the sled 250 contactsthe driver 246 of the staple 240, i.e., within the drive plane 241 c ofthe staple 240, and not the proximal connector 248 p and/or proximal leg244 p. The notch 247 also creates a clear delineation between the driver246 and the proximal connector 248 p such that the cam surface 245 isn'ttwisted out of the drive plane 241 c. Moreover, the notch 247 separatesthe drive plane 241 c from a perpendicular plane including the proximalstaple leg 244 p.

Similar to the above, the drive surface 245 does not extend into thedistal connector 248 d.

Further to the above, the drive surfaces 245 of the staples 240 extendat an angle that matches, or at least substantially matches, the angleof the longitudinal ramps 255 of the sled 250. That said, any suitableangles could be used.

In at least one instance, further to the above, each staple 240 isentirely positioned below the deck 233 of the cartridge body 232 whenthe staples 240 are in their unfired positions. In such instances, thestaple legs 244 of the staples 240 do not extend above the deck 233 whenthe staples 240 are in their unfired positions. In use, the tips 246 ofthe staple legs 244 emerge above the deck 233 as the staples 240 arebeing fired. Such arrangements can reduce the possibility of the staples240 snagging on the tissue of a patient as the staple cartridge 230 ismoved relative to the tissue.

In various instances, further to the above, the tips 246 of the staplelegs 244 p and/or 244 d extend above the deck 233 when the staples 240are in their unfired positions. Referring primarily to FIGS. 4 and 6,the cartridge body 232 further comprises projections 236 extending abovethe deck 233 which are configured to at least partially surround thetips 246 when the staples 240 are in their unfired positions. Thelengths of the staple legs 244 p and 244 d are selected such that thetips 246 are positioned below the top surfaces of the projections 236when the staples 240 are in their unfired positions. In certainrespects, the projections 236 extend the staple cavities 234 above thedeck 233. Such arrangements can allow larger, or taller, staples to beused while, at the same time, providing protection for the staples eventhough the staples extend above the deck 233. The projections 236 arealso configured to guide the staple legs 244 as the staples 240 areejected from the staple cavities 234.

Further to the above, the staples 240 reach their fully-firedconfiguration when the top surfaces 253 of the longitudinal ramps 255pass under the bottom surfaces of the staples 240. Turning now to FIG.12, a staple 240 has nearly reached the top surface 253 of alongitudinal ramp 255 and, thus, has nearly reached its fully-firedconfiguration. Once the top surface 253 moves distally with respect to adeformed staple 240 and disengages from the deformed staple 240, elasticreaction forces and/or potential energy stored within the deformedstaple 240 may push a portion of the deformed staple 240 back into thestaple cavity 234 a from which it was ejected.

Referring again to FIGS. 11 and 12, the anvil 120 comprises formingpockets configured to deform the staples 240 and 240′. Each formingpocket comprises a proximal forming cup 124 p configured to receive theproximal staple leg 244 p of a staple 240, for example, and a distalforming cup 124 d configured to receive the distal staple leg 244 d ofthe staple 240. The proximal forming cup 124 p is configured to deformthe proximal staple leg 244 p inwardly toward the distal staple leg 244d. Similarly, the distal forming cup 124 d is configured to deform thedistal staple leg 244 d inwardly toward the proximal staple leg 244 p.Other embodiments are envisioned in which one or both of the staple legs244 p and 244 d are bent outwardly away from one another and/or in anyother suitable direction. Referring again to FIG. 12, the staples 240and 240′ are deformed into a B-shaped configuration by the anvil 120;however, the anvil 120 can be configured to deform the staples 240 and240′ into any suitable configuration.

As discussed above, the end effector 100 is usable with a staplecartridge 100 or, in the alternative, a staple cartridge 200. As aresult, the anvil 120 is configured to deform the staples 140 of thestaple cartridge 100 and, in addition, the staples 240, 240′ of thestaple cartridge 200. Stated another way, each forming pocket defined inthe anvil 120 is configured to deform a staple 140 which has beenfabricated from a bent wire and a staple 240, or staple 240′, which hasbeen stamped from a flat sheet of material, for example. For instance,referring primarily to FIG. 6, the proximal forming cup 124 p of aforming pocket is configured to deform a proximal staple leg 144 of astaple 140 and a proximal staple leg 244 p of a staple 240. The proximalforming cup 124 p of a forming pocket is also configured to deform aproximal staple leg 244 p′ if a staple 240′ is aligned with the formingpocket instead of a staple 240. Similar to the above, the distal formingcup 124 d of a forming pocket is configured to deform a distal stapleleg 144 of a staple 140 and a distal staple leg 244 d of a staple 240.Likewise, the distal forming cup 124 d of a forming pocket is alsoconfigured to deform a distal staple leg 244 d′ if a staple 240′ isaligned with the forming pocket instead of a staple 240.

Further to the above, the staple cavities 134 of the staple cartridge130 and the staple cavities 234 a of the staple cartridge 230 arealignable with the forming pockets of the anvil 120 such that the tips146 of the staples 140 and the tips 246 of the staples 240 strike thesame points, or targets, within the forming cups 124 p and 124d—depending on which staple cartridge is attached to the end effector100. It should be understood that, owing to variations in tissuecomposition, for example, that the tips 146 and the tips 246 may notactually strike the same targets in the forming cups 124 p and 124 d.That said, the forming cavities of the anvil 120 are configured to guidethe legs 144 of the staples 140 and the legs 244 p, 244 d of the staples240 into a desired alignment. To this end, the proximal forming cups 124p comprise guide walls 126 p and the distal forming cups 124 d compriseguide walls 126 d which are configured to guide and form the legs of thestaples 140, 240, and 240′ into a desired configuration.

Referring again to FIG. 7, the staple 240 comprises a tissue engagingsurface 243 defined on the top surface of the crown 242. The surface 243of the staple 240 is configured to support and/or apply pressure to thetissue captured within the staple 240 when the staple 240 is formed intoits fired configuration. Referring now to FIG. 11, the surface 243 ofthe staple 240 is positioned well below the deck 233 of the cartridgebody 232 when the staple 240 is in its unfired position. As the staple240 is moved into its fired position, turning now to FIG. 12, thesurface 243 at least partially emerges above the deck 233. Statedanother way, the sled 250 at least partially overdrives the staple 240.In such instances, the surface 243 of the staple 240 can abut and applypressure to the tissue as the staple 240 is being deformed. In certaininstances, only a portion of the surface 243 is overdriven above thedeck 233 when the staple 240 is in its fully-fired position. In otherinstances, the entirety of the surface 243 is overdriven above the deck233 when the staple 240 is in its fully-fired position. Such anarrangement can apply a significant amount of clamping pressure to thetissue which can reduce bleeding therefrom.

In various instances, further to the above, the driver 246 of a staple240 remains at least partially below the deck 233 when the surface 243of the staple 240 has been overdriven above the deck 233. In certaininstances, the staple 240 is configured such that the driver 246 doesnot emerge above the deck 233 regardless of the amount in which thesurface 243 is overdriven above the deck 233. In such instances, theentirety of the driver 246 remains below the deck 233 during the staplefiring process. In at least one instance, the cam surface 245 of thestaple 240 does not emerge above the deck 233 when the staple 240 isoverdriven. In various instances, the top surfaces 253 of thelongitudinal ramps 255 do not extend above the deck 233 which means thatthe sled 250 will not drive the entirety of the staples 240 above thedeck 233 during the staple firing process.

It should be appreciated, further to the above, that the projections 236extend above the deck 233. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the sled 250 isconfigured to at least partially overdrive the surfaces 243 of thestaples 240 above the projections 236. In such instances, the surfaces243 at least partially rise above the projections 236 as the staple 240is moved into its fully-fired position. In certain instances, only aportion of the surface 243 is overdriven above the projections 246 whenthe staple 240 is in its fully-fired position. In other instances, theentirety of the surface 243 is overdriven above the projections 246 whenthe staple 240 is in its fully-fired position. Such an arrangement canapply a significant amount of clamping pressure to the tissue which canreduce bleeding therefrom.

Further to the above, the tissue engaging surface 243 may directlyengage or contact the tissue. In other instances, adjunct material, suchas a piece of buttress material and/or a tissue thickness compensator,for example, may be positioned on the deck 233 of the staple cartridge230 and the tissue engaging surface 243 may directly engage or contactthe adjunct material. References disclosing adjunct material areincorporated by reference elsewhere in this application.

Referring again to FIG. 7, the tissue engaging surface 243 comprises aflat portion, a first inclined portion on a first side of the flatportion, and a second inclined portion on a second side of the flatportion. Such an arrangement can apply pressure to the tissue capturedwithin the staple 240 from three directions. That said, the tissueengaging surface 243 can comprise any suitable configuration, such as anentirely flat configuration or a rounded configuration, for example.

As discussed above, referring again to FIG. 6, the staple cartridges 130and 230 can be used selectably and interchangeably with the end effector100. As also discussed above, the staple cartridges 130 and 230 areremovably attachable to the jaw 110. In various alternative embodiments,the staple cartridges 130 and 230 each comprise a complete jaw which isattachable to and detachable from the frame 190 of the end effector 110.In such instances, a clinician could remove an entire staple cartridgejaw from the end effector 110 and replace it with another entire staplecartridge jaw—one that has not yet been fired and comprises the types ofstaples and/or the pattern of staples that the clinician desires, forinstance.

Further to the above, it should be appreciated that FIG. 6 is anillustration intended to demonstrate that the end effector 100 is usablewith the staple cartridge 130 and the staple cartridge 230. Although thestaple cartridge 130 and the staple cartridge 230 are both depicted inFIG. 6, it should be understood that the staple cartridge 130 and thestaple cartridge 230 are not used at the same time within the same endeffector 100. That said, various embodiments are envisioned in which astaple cartridge utilizes wire staples and, in addition, staples formedfrom one or more sheets of material, for example. In at least oneembodiment, a staple cartridge comprises staples 140 and staples 240removably stored therein, for example. Other embodiments are envisionedin which a staple cartridge comprises staples 140, staples 240, andstaples 240′, for example.

Referring to FIG. 20, further to the above, a staple cartridge 430comprises a cartridge body 432 including a deck 433 and a longitudinalslot 135 defined therein. The longitudinal slot 135 defines alongitudinal slot axis 139 extending through the center thereof. Thestaple cartridge 430 further comprises a first, or inner, longitudinalrow of staple cavities 434 a, a second, or intermediate, longitudinalrow of staple cavities 434 b, and a third, or outer, longitudinal row ofstaple cavities 434 c on one side of the longitudinal slot 135. Thestaple cartridge 430 also comprises a first, or inner, longitudinal rowof staple cavities 434 a′, a second, or intermediate, longitudinal rowof staple cavities 434 b′, and a third, or outer, longitudinal row ofstaple cavities 434 c′ on the other side of the longitudinal slot 135.The staple cavities 434 a, 434 a′, 434 b, and 434 b′ are similar to theleft-handed staple cavities 234 a (FIGS. 4 and 6) in many respects. Thestaple cavities 434 c and 434 c′ are similar to the staple cavities 134(FIGS. 2 and 6) in many respects. Staples 240 are removably stored inthe staple cavities 434 a, 434 a′, 434 b, and 434 b′. Staples 140 areremovably stored in the staple cavities 434 c and 434 c′.

Referring to FIG. 21, the staple cartridge 430 further comprises a sled450 configured to eject the staples 140 and 240 from the cartridge body432. The sled 450 comprises a longitudinal ramp 455 a configured todirectly engage the staples 240 stored in the staple cavities 434 a, alongitudinal ramp 455 a′ configured to directly engage the staples 240stored in the staple cavities 434 a′, a longitudinal ramp 455 bconfigured to directly engage the staples 240 stored in the staplecavities 434 b, and a longitudinal ramp 455 b′ configured to directlyengage the staples 240 stored in the staple cavities 434 b′. The sled450 further comprises a longitudinal ramp 455 c configured to eject thestaples 140 from the staple cavities 434 c and a longitudinal ramp 455c′ configured to eject the staples 140 from the staple cavities 434 c′.More specifically, the staple cartridge 430 comprises a row of stapledrivers configured to support and/or engage the staples 140 stored inthe staple cavities 434 c and a row of staple drivers configured tosupport and/or engage the staples 140 stored in the staple cavities 434c′ and, when the sled 450 is advanced distally, the longitudinal ramps455 c and 455 c′ of the sled 450 engage the staple drivers to lift thestaples 140 upwardly within the staple cavities 434 c and 434 c′ anddeform the staples 140 against an anvil positioned opposite the staplecartridge 430. These staple drivers can be similar in many respects tothe staple driver illustrated in FIG. 3A, for example.

Further to the above, the staple cavities 434 a are positioned along alongitudinal axis 437 a, the staple cavities 434 b are positioned alonga longitudinal axis 437 b, and the staple cavities 434 c are positionedalong a longitudinal axis 437 c. Similarly, the staple cavities 434 a′are positioned along a longitudinal axis 437 a′, the staple cavities 434b′ are positioned along a longitudinal axis 437 b′, and the staplecavities 434 c′ are positioned along a longitudinal axis 437 c′. Thedistance between the longitudinal axis 437 a and the longitudinal slotaxis 139 is shorter than the distance between the longitudinal axis 437a′ and the longitudinal slot axis 139. As a result, the longitudinalaxis 437 a′ is staggered or offset laterally as compared to thelongitudinal axis 437 a. Similarly, the distance between thelongitudinal row of staple cavities 434 a and the longitudinal slot 135is shorter than the distance between the longitudinal row of staplecavities 434 a′ and the longitudinal slot 135. In addition, the distancebetween the longitudinal axis 437 b and the longitudinal slot axis 139is shorter than the distance between the longitudinal axis 437 b′ andthe longitudinal slot axis 139. As a result, the longitudinal axis 437b′ is staggered or offset laterally as compared to the longitudinal axis437 b. Similarly, the distance between the longitudinal row of staplecavities 434 b and the longitudinal slot 135 is shorter than thedistance between the longitudinal row of staple cavities 434 b′ and thelongitudinal slot 135. Comparatively, the longitudinal axis 437 c andthe longitudinal axis 437 c′ are equidistant from the longitudinal slotaxis 139. Correspondingly, the longitudinal rows of staple cavities 343c and staple cavities 343 c′ are equidistant from the longitudinal slot135.

The longitudinal rows of staple cavities defined in the staple cartridge430 are not uniformly spaced. In many respects, the spacing between thelongitudinal rows is different. As can be seen in FIG. 20, the spacingof the longitudinal rows of staple cavities 434 a, 434 b, and 434 c onone side of the longitudinal slot 135 is different than the spacing ofthe longitudinal rows of staple cavities 434 a′, 434 b′, and 434 c′ onthe other side of the longitudinal slot 135.

Further to the above, the longitudinal axes 437 a, 437 a′, 437 b, 437b′, 437 c, and 437 c′ comprise drive axes. These drive axes are alignedwith the drive portions of the staples 240 and the cam surfaces of thestaple drivers which support the staples 140, as the case may be. Thelongitudinal ramps of the sled 450 are aligned with these drive axes.For instance, referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the longitudinal ramp 455 aof the sled 450 is aligned with the longitudinal axis 437 a. Similarly,the longitudinal ramp 455 b is aligned with the longitudinal axis 437 band the longitudinal ramp 455 c is aligned with the longitudinal axis437 c. Also, the longitudinal ramp 455 a′ is aligned with thelongitudinal axis 437 a′, the longitudinal ramp 455 b′ is aligned withthe longitudinal axis 437 b′, and the longitudinal ramp 455 c′ isaligned with the longitudinal axis 437 c′. To this end, the longitudinalramp 455 a and the longitudinal axis 437 a are a distance 457 a awayfrom the longitudinal slot axis 139, the longitudinal ramp 455 b and thelongitudinal axis 437 b are a distance 457 b away from the longitudinalslot axis 139, and the longitudinal ramp 455 c and the longitudinal axis437 c are a distance 457 c away from the longitudinal slot axis 139.Similarly, the longitudinal ramp 455 a′ and the longitudinal axis 437 a′are a distance 457 a′ away from the longitudinal slot axis 139, thelongitudinal ramp 455 b′ and the longitudinal axis 437 b′ are a distance457 b′ away from the longitudinal slot axis 139, and the longitudinalramp 455 c′ and the longitudinal axis 437 c′ are a distance 457 c′ awayfrom the longitudinal slot axis 139.

As seen in FIG. 21, none of the distances 457 a, 457 a′, 457 b, and 457b′ are equal. They are all different. As a result, the rails of the sled450 are asymmetrically spaced.

Referring to FIG. 21, the sled 450 comprises a central portion 451configured to move within the longitudinal slot 135 of the cartridgebody 432. The central portion 451 is sized and configured to be closelyreceived within the slot 135 such that little, if any, lateral movementis permitted between the sled 450 and the cartridge body 432 so that thelongitudinal ramps of the sled 450 remain properly aligned with thestaples 240 and the staple drivers which are configured to drive thestaples 140.

Referring again to FIG. 20, the outer rows of staples deployed by thestaple cartridge 430 are wire staples while the inner and intermediaterows of staples deployed by the staple cartridge 430 are formed fromflat stock and/or stamped. That said, other arrangements are envisioned.In at least one instance, for example, the intermediate and outer rowsof staples deployed by a staple cartridge are wire staples while theinner rows of staples deployed by the staple cartridge are stampedstaples. In other instances, for example, the inner and intermediaterows of staples deployed by a staple cartridge are wire staples whilethe outer rows of staples deployed by the staple cartridge are stampedstaples. When a staple cartridge deploys two or more rows of wirestaples on one side of a longitudinal slot, two or more rows of stapledrivers can be utilized to deploy the staples from the staple cartridge.In various instances, a staple cartridge can utilize double drivers, forexample, which are configured to deploy wire staples from twolongitudinal rows at the same time when the longitudinal rows comprisingthe wire staples are adjacent to each other. Other driver arrangementsconfigured to deploy more than two staples, such as three staples and/orfour staples, for example, can be utilized.

As a result of the above, the staple cartridge 430 produces anasymmetrical pattern of staples in the tissue. Among other things, thestaple cartridge 430 produces a first pattern of staples in the tissueon a first side of the cut line and a second, or different, pattern ofstaples in the tissue on a second side of the cut line.

Turning now to FIGS. 15-19, a staple cartridge 330 comprises a cartridgebody 332 including a deck 333 and a longitudinal slot 135 definedtherein. The longitudinal slot 135 defines a longitudinal slot axis 139extending through the center thereof. The staple cartridge 330 furthercomprises a first, or inner, longitudinal row of staple cavities 334 a,a second, or intermediate, longitudinal row of staple cavities 334 b,and a third, or outer, longitudinal row of staple cavities 334 c on oneside of the longitudinal slot 135. The staple cartridge 330 alsocomprises a first, or inner, longitudinal row of staple cavities 334 a′,a second, or intermediate, longitudinal row of staple cavities 334 b′,and a third, or outer, longitudinal row of staple cavities 334 c′ on theother side of the longitudinal slot 135. The staple cavities 334 a, 334a′, 334 b, 334 b′, 334 c, and 334 c′ are similar to the left-handedstaple cavities 234 a (FIGS. 4 and 6) in many respects. Staples 240 areremovably stored in the staple cavities 334 a, 334 a′, 334 b, 334 b′,334 c, and 334 c′.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the staple cartridge 330 further comprisesa sled 350 configured to eject the staples 240 from the cartridge body332. The sled 350 comprises a longitudinal ramp 355 a configured todirectly engage the staples 240 stored in the staple cavities 334 a, alongitudinal ramp 355 a′ configured to directly engage the staples 240stored in the staple cavities 334 a′, a longitudinal ramp 355 bconfigured to directly engage the staples 240 stored in the staplecavities 334 b, and a longitudinal ramp 355 b′ configured to directlyengage the staples 240 stored in the staple cavities 334 b′. The sled350 further comprises a longitudinal ramp 355 c configured to directlyengage the staples 240 stored in the staple cavities 334 c and alongitudinal ramp 355 c′ configured to directly engage the staples 240stored in the staple cavities 334 c′.

Further to the above, the staple cavities 334 a are positioned along alongitudinal axis 337 a, the staple cavities 334 b are positioned alonga longitudinal axis 337 b, and the staple cavities 334 c are positionedalong a longitudinal axis 337 c. Similarly, the staple cavities 334 a′are positioned along a longitudinal axis 337 a′, the second staplecavities 334 b′ are positioned along a longitudinal axis 337 b′, and thestaple cavities 334 c′ are positioned along a longitudinal axis 337 c′.The distance between the longitudinal axis 337 a and the longitudinalslot axis 139 is shorter than the distance between the longitudinal axis337 a′ and the longitudinal slot axis 139. As a result, the longitudinalaxis 337 a′ is staggered or offset laterally as compared to thelongitudinal axis 337 a. Similarly, the distance between thelongitudinal row of staple cavities 334 a and the longitudinal slot 135is shorter than the distance between the longitudinal row of staplecavities 334 a′ and the longitudinal slot 135.

In addition, the distance between the longitudinal axis 337 b and thelongitudinal slot axis 139 is shorter than the distance between thelongitudinal axis 337 b′ and the longitudinal slot axis 139. As aresult, the longitudinal axis 337 b′ is staggered or offset laterally ascompared to the longitudinal axis 337 b. Similarly, the distance betweenthe longitudinal row of staple cavities 334 b and the longitudinal slot135 is shorter than the distance between the longitudinal row of staplecavities 334 b′ and the longitudinal slot 135. Moreover, the distancebetween the longitudinal axis 337 c and the longitudinal slot axis 139is shorter than the distance between the longitudinal axis 337 c′ andthe longitudinal slot axis 139. As a result, the longitudinal axis 337c′ is staggered or offset laterally as compared to the longitudinal axis337 c. Similarly, the distance between the longitudinal row of staplecavities 334 c and the longitudinal slot 135 is shorter than thedistance between the longitudinal row of staple cavities 334 c′ and thelongitudinal slot 135.

Further to the above, the longitudinal axes 337 a, 337 a′, 337 b, 337b′, 337 c, and 337 c′ comprise drive axes. These drive axes are alignedwith the drive portions of the staples 240. The longitudinal ramps ofthe sled 350 are aligned with these drive axes. For instance, thelongitudinal ramp 355 a of the sled 350 is aligned with the longitudinalaxis 337 a. Similarly, the longitudinal ramp 355 b is aligned with thelongitudinal axis 337 b and the longitudinal ramp 355 c is aligned withthe longitudinal axis 337 c. Also, the longitudinal ramp 355 a′ isaligned with the longitudinal axis 337 a′, the longitudinal ramp 355 b′is aligned with the longitudinal axis 337 b′, and the longitudinal ramp355 c′ is aligned with the longitudinal axis 337 c′. To this end, thelongitudinal ramp 355 a and the longitudinal axis 337 a are a distance357 a away from the longitudinal slot axis 139, the longitudinal ramp355 b and the longitudinal axis 337 b are a distance 357 b away from thelongitudinal slot axis 139, and the longitudinal ramp 355 c and thelongitudinal axis 337 c are a distance 357 c away from the longitudinalslot axis 139. Similarly, the longitudinal ramp 355 a′ and thelongitudinal axis 337 a′ are a distance 357 a′ away from thelongitudinal slot axis 139, the longitudinal ramp 355 b′ and thelongitudinal axis 337 b′ are a distance 357 b′ away from thelongitudinal slot axis 139, and the longitudinal ramp 355 c′ and thelongitudinal axis 337 c′ are a distance 357 c′ away from thelongitudinal slot axis 139.

Referring primarily to FIG. 17, the sled 350 comprises a central portion351 configured to move within the longitudinal slot 135 of the cartridgebody 332. The central portion 351 is sized and configured to be closelyreceived within the slot 135 such that little, if any, lateral movementis permitted between the sled 350 and the cartridge body 332 so that thelongitudinal ramps of the sled 350 remain properly aligned with thestaples 240.

Referring again to FIG. 17, a gap 359 a is defined between the centralportion 351 of the sled 350 and the longitudinal ramp 355 a. Similarly,a gap 359 b is defined between the longitudinal ramp 355 a and thelongitudinal ramp 355 b and a gap 359 c is defined between thelongitudinal ramp 355 b and the longitudinal ramp 355 c. The gap 359 ais smaller than the gap 359 b and, similarly, the gap 359 b is smallerthan the gap 359 c. Likewise, a gap 359 a′ is defined between thecentral portion 351 of the sled 350 and the longitudinal ramp 355 a′.Similarly, a gap 359 b′ is defined between the longitudinal ramp 355 a′and the longitudinal ramp 355 b′ and a gap 359 c′ is defined between thelongitudinal ramp 355 b′ and the longitudinal ramp 355 c′. The gap 359a′ is smaller than the gap 359 b′ and, similarly, the gap 359 b′ issmaller than the gap 359 c′. Other arrangements are possible.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge body 332 whichillustrates longitudinal channels defined therein that connect thestaple cavities in the staple cavity rows and permit the longitudinalramps of the sled 350 to pass through the cartridge body 332. Forinstance, a channel 338 a longitudinally connects the staple cavities334 a and is configured to receive the longitudinal ramp 355 a of thesled 350. Similarly, a channel 338 b longitudinally connects the staplecavities 334 b and is configured to receive the longitudinal ramp 355 bof the sled 350 and, in addition, a channel 338 c longitudinallyconnects the staple cavities 334 c and is configured to receive thelongitudinal ramp 355 c of the sled 350. Also, a channel 338 a′longitudinally connects the staple cavities 334 a′ and is configured toreceive the longitudinal ramp 355 a′ of the sled 350, a channel 338 b′longitudinally connects the staple cavities 334 b′ and is configured toreceive the longitudinal ramp 355 b′ of the sled 350, and a channel 338c′ longitudinally connects the staple cavities 334 c′ and is configuredto receive the longitudinal ramp 355 c′ of the sled 350.

Turning now to FIG. 19, an anvil 320 is configured to be used with thestaple cartridge 330. The anvil 320 comprises forming pockets 324configured to deform the staples 240 removably stored in the staplecartridge 330 when the staples 240 are ejected from the staple cartridge330. The forming pockets 324 are arranged in six longitudinal rows whichcan be registered with the six longitudinal rows of staple cavitiesdefined in the staple cartridge 330. For instance, a longitudinal row offorming pockets 324 is defined along a longitudinal anvil axis 327 awhich is alignable with the staple leg planes of the staples 240 storedin the longitudinal row of staple cavities 334 a. Similarly, alongitudinal row of forming pockets 324 is defined along a longitudinalanvil axis 327 b which is alignable with the staple leg planes of thestaples 240 stored in the longitudinal row of staple cavities 334 b and,in addition, a longitudinal row of forming pockets 324 is defined alonga longitudinal anvil axis 327 c which is alignable with the staple legplanes of the staples 240 stored in the longitudinal row of staplecavities 334 c. Moreover, a longitudinal row of forming pockets 324 isdefined along a longitudinal anvil axis 327 a′ which is alignable withthe staple leg planes of the staples 240 stored in the longitudinal rowof staple cavities 334 a′, a longitudinal row of forming pockets 324 isdefined along a longitudinal anvil axis 327 b′ which is alignable withthe staple leg planes of the staples 240 stored in the longitudinal rowof staple cavities 334 b′, and a longitudinal row of forming pockets 324is defined along a longitudinal anvil axis 327 c′ which is alignablewith the staple leg planes of the staples 240 stored in the longitudinalrow of staple cavities 334 c′.

EXAMPLES Example 1

A surgical stapling system comprising a shaft including a proximal endand a distal end, and an end effector extending from the distal end ofthe shaft, wherein the end effector is movable between an openconfiguration and a closed configuration. The end effector comprises aframe, an anvil extending distally from the frame, wherein the anvilcomprises a longitudinal row of forming pockets, and a first staplecartridge assembly attachable to the end effector. The first staplecartridge assembly comprises a first cartridge body including a firstlongitudinal row of staple cavities and, in addition, a plurality offirst staples removably stored in the first longitudinal row of staplecavities. Each first staple is comprised of a bent wire and is alignedwith a forming pocket when the end effector is in the closedconfiguration. The surgical stapling system also comprises a secondstaple cartridge assembly attachable to the end effector in lieu of thefirst staple cartridge assembly. The second staple cartridge assemblycomprises a second cartridge body including a second longitudinal row ofstaple cavities and, in addition, a plurality of second staplesremovably stored in the second longitudinal row of staple cavities. Eachsecond staple is formed from flat stock and is aligned with a formingpocket when the end effector is in the closed configuration.

Example 2

The surgical stapling system of Example 1, wherein each forming pocketcomprises a proximal forming cup and a distal forming cup.

Example 3

The surgical stapling system of Examples 1 and 2, wherein each firststaple comprises a proximal leg formed by the proximal forming cup and adistal leg formed by the distal forming cup.

Example 4

The surgical stapling system of Examples 1, 2, and 3, wherein eachsecond staple comprises a proximal leg formed by the proximal formingcup and a distal leg formed by the distal forming cup.

Example 5

The surgical stapling system of Examples 1, 2, 3, and 4, wherein the endeffector further comprises a jaw configured to receive the first staplecartridge assembly and the second staple cartridge assembly in lieu ofthe first staple cartridge assembly.

Example 6

The surgical stapling system of Example 5, wherein the jaw is rotatablerelative to the anvil to place the end effector in the closedconfiguration.

Example 7

The surgical stapling system of Examples 5 and 6, wherein the anvil isrotatable relative to the jaw to place the end effector in the closedconfiguration.

Example 8

The surgical stapling system of Example 1, wherein the first staplecartridge assembly comprises a first jaw attachable to the frame, andwherein the second cartridge assembly comprises a second jaw attachableto the frame.

Example 9

The surgical stapling system of Example 8, wherein the anvil isrotatable relative to the frame to place the end effector in the closedconfiguration.

Example 10

The surgical stapling system of Examples 8 and 9, wherein the first jawis rotatable relative to the frame to place the end effector in theclosed configuration when the first jaw is attached to the frame, andwherein the second jaw is rotatable relative to the frame to place theend effector in the closed configuration when the second jaw is attachedto the frame.

Example 11

The surgical stapling system of Examples 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and10, wherein the first staple cartridge assembly comprises staple driversconfigured to push the first staples out of the first staple cavities,and wherein each second staple comprises an integrally-formed stapledriver.

Example 12

A surgical stapling system comprising a shaft including a proximal endand a distal end, and an end effector extending from the distal end ofthe shaft, wherein the end effector is movable between an unclampedconfiguration and a clamped configuration. The end effector comprises aframe, an anvil extending distally from the frame, wherein the anvilcomprises a longitudinal row of forming pockets, and a first staplecartridge assembly attachable to the end effector. The first staplecartridge assembly comprises a first cartridge body including a firstlongitudinal row of staple cavities, and, in addition, a plurality offirst staples removably stored in the first longitudinal row of staplecavities. Each first staple is comprised of a bent wire and is alignedwith a forming pocket when the end effector is in the clampedconfiguration. The surgical stapling system also comprises a secondstaple cartridge assembly attachable to the end effector as analternative to the first staple cartridge assembly. The second staplecartridge assembly comprises a second cartridge body including a secondlongitudinal row of staple cavities, and, in addition, a plurality ofsecond staples removably stored in the second longitudinal row of staplecavities. The second staples are stamped from one or more flat sheets ofmaterial and are aligned with the forming pockets when the end effectoris in the clamped configuration.

Example 13

The surgical stapling system of Example 12, wherein each forming pocketcomprises a proximal forming cup and a distal forming cup.

Example 14

The surgical stapling system of Examples 12 and 13, wherein each firststaple comprises a proximal leg formed by the proximal forming cup and adistal leg formed by the distal forming cup.

Example 15

The surgical stapling system of Examples 12, 13, and 14, wherein eachsecond staple comprises a proximal leg formed by the proximal formingcup and a distal leg formed by the distal forming cup.

Example 16

The surgical stapling system of Examples 12, 13, 14, and 15, wherein theend effector further comprises a jaw configured to receive the firststaple cartridge assembly and the second staple cartridge assembly as analternative to the first staple cartridge assembly.

Example 17

The surgical stapling system of Example 16, wherein the jaw is rotatablerelative to the anvil to place the end effector in the clampedconfiguration.

Example 18

The surgical stapling system of Examples 16 and 17, wherein the anvil isrotatable relative to the jaw to place the end effector in the clampedconfiguration.

Example 19

The surgical stapling system of Example 12, wherein the first staplecartridge assembly comprises a first jaw attachable to the frame, andwherein the second cartridge assembly comprises a second jaw attachableto the frame.

Example 20

The surgical stapling system of Example 19, wherein the anvil isrotatable relative to the frame to place the end effector in the clampedconfiguration.

Example 21

The surgical stapling system of Examples 19 and 20, wherein the firstjaw is rotatable relative to the frame to place the end effector in theclamped configuration when the first jaw is attached to the frame, andwherein the second jaw is rotatable relative to the frame to place theend effector in the clamped configuration when the second jaw isattached to the frame.

Example 22

The surgical stapling system of Examples 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19,20, and 21, wherein the first staple cartridge assembly comprises stapledrivers configured to push the first staples out of the first staplecavities, and wherein the second staple comprises an integrally-formedstaple driver.

Example 23

A surgical fastening system comprising a shaft including a proximal endand a distal end, and an end effector extending from the distal end ofthe shaft, wherein the end effector is movable between an openconfiguration and a closed configuration. The end effector comprises aframe and an anvil extending distally from the frame, wherein the anvilcomprises forming pockets. The surgical fastening system furthercomprises a first fastener cartridge assembly attachable to the endeffector. The first fastener cartridge assembly comprises a firstcartridge body including first fastener cavities and, in addition, aplurality of first fasteners removably stored in the first fastenercavities. Each first fastener is comprised of a bent wire, and the firstfastener cavities are aligned with the forming pockets when the endeffector is in the closed configuration. The surgical fastening systemalso comprises a second fastener cartridge assembly attachable to theend effector in lieu of the first fastener cartridge assembly, whereinthe second fastener cartridge assembly comprises a second cartridge bodyincluding second fastener cavities and, in addition, a plurality ofsecond fasteners removably stored in the second fastener cavities. Eachsecond fastener is formed from flat stock, and the second fastenercavities are aligned with the forming pockets when the end effector isin the closed configuration.

Example 24

A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body including aproximal end, a distal end, and staple cavities extending between theproximal end and the distal end, and, in addition, staples removablystored in the staple cavities, wherein each the staple is formed fromflat stock. Each staple comprises a crown, a proximal leg, a distal leg,wherein the proximal leg and the distal leg define a staple leg plane,and an inclined cam surface extending from and integrally formed withthe crown, wherein the inclined cam surface defines a cam plane which isdifferent than the staple leg plane. Each staple also comprises aproximal connector which extends between and is integrally formed withthe proximal leg and the crown and a distal connector which extendsbetween and is integrally formed with the distal leg and the crown,wherein the inclined cam surface does not extend from the proximalconnector, and wherein the inclined cam surface does not extend from thedistal connector. The staple cartridge assembly also comprises a sledconfigured to engage the inclined cam surfaces of the staples and ejectthe staples from the staple cavities during a staple firing stroke.

Example 25

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 24, wherein the inclined camsurface is planar, and wherein the proximal connector and the distalconnector bend out of the cam plane toward the staple leg plane.

Example 26

The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 24 and 25, wherein theinclined cam surface comprises a proximal lead-in in the cam plane.

Example 27

The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 24, 25, and 26, wherein eachstaple further comprises a clearance notch between the proximal lead-inand the proximal connector, and wherein the clearance notch is definedin the cam plane.

Example 28

The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 24, 25, 26, and 27, whereinthe proximal leg and the distal leg of each staple extend outwardly innon-parallel directions from the crown when the staples are in anunfired configuration.

Example 29

The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28,wherein the proximal and distal legs of the staples are flexed inwardlyby the sidewalls of the staple cavities when the staples are stored inthe staple cavities.

Example 30

The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29,wherein the sled does not engage the proximal connectors and the distalconnectors of the staples during the staple firing stroke.

Example 31

The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and30, wherein the entirety of the inclined cam surface is positioned belowthe proximal staple leg and the distal staple leg.

Example 32

The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30,and 31, wherein the inclined cam surface comprises an initial pick-uppoint for the sled.

Example 33

A staple cartridge assembly, comprising a cartridge body including aproximal end, a distal end, staple cavities extending between theproximal end and the distal end, and, in addition, staples removablystored in the staple cavities, wherein the staples are formed from oneor more metal sheets. Each staple comprises a crown, a proximal leg, adistal leg, and a cam surface extending from and integrally formed withthe crown, wherein the cam surface defines a cam plane, and wherein theproximal leg and the distal leg are not in the cam plane. Each staplealso comprises a proximal connector which extends between and isintegrally formed with the proximal leg and the crown and a distalconnector which extends between and is integrally formed with the distalleg and the crown, wherein the cam surface does not extend from theproximal connector. The staple cartridge assembly also comprises a sledconfigured to engage the cam surfaces of the staples and eject thestaples from the staple cavities during a staple firing stroke.

Example 34

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 33, wherein the cam surface isplanar, and wherein the proximal connector and the distal connector bendout of the cam plane.

Example 35

The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 33 and 34, wherein the camsurface comprises a proximal lead-in in the cam plane.

Example 36

The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 33, 34, and 35, wherein eachstaple further comprises a clearance notch between the proximal lead-inand the proximal connector, and wherein the clearance notch is definedin the cam plane.

Example 37

The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 33, 34, 35, and 36, whereinthe proximal leg and the distal leg of each staple extend outwardly innon-parallel directions from the crown when the staples are in anunfired configuration.

Example 38

The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 33, 34, 35, 36, and 37,wherein the proximal and distal legs of the staples are flexed inwardlyby the sidewalls of the staple cavities when the staples are stored inthe staple cavities.

Example 39

The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, and 38,wherein the sled does not engage the proximal connectors of the staplesduring the staple firing stroke.

Example 40

The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, and39, wherein the entirety of the cam surface is positioned below theproximal staple leg and the distal staple leg.

Example 41

The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39,and 40, wherein the cam surface comprises an initial pick-up point forthe sled.

Example 42

A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body including a deckcomprising a proximal end and a distal end, a longitudinal slot definedin the deck, wherein the longitudinal slot is configured to receive afiring member, a first longitudinal row of staple cavities, and a secondlongitudinal row of staple cavities. The staple cartridge assemblyfurther comprises a sled movable toward the distal end by the firingmember during a firing stroke and a plurality of first staples removablystored in the first longitudinal row of staple cavities, wherein eachfirst staple is comprised of a bent wire. The staple cartridge assemblyalso comprises a plurality of staple drivers configured to support thefirst staples, wherein the sled is configured to engage the stapledrivers to eject the first staples from the first longitudinal row ofstaple cavities during the firing stroke, and a plurality of secondstaples removably stored in the second longitudinal row of staplecavities, wherein each second staple is formed from flat stock andcomprises an integrally-formed driver, and wherein the sled isconfigured to directly engage the integrally-formed drivers of thesecond staples and eject the second staples from the second longitudinalrow of staple cavities during the firing stroke.

Example 43

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 42, wherein the firstlongitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent the longitudinal slot,and wherein the first longitudinal row of staple cavities isintermediate the longitudinal slot and the second longitudinal row ofstaple cavities.

Example 44

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 42, wherein the secondlongitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent the longitudinal slot,and wherein the second longitudinal row of staple cavities isintermediate the longitudinal slot and the first longitudinal row ofstaple cavities.

Example 45

The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 42, 43, and 44, wherein thecartridge body further comprises a third longitudinal row of staplecavities, wherein the staple cartridge assembly further comprises aplurality of third staples removably stored in the third longitudinalrow of staple cavities, and wherein each third staple is comprised of abent wire.

Example 46

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 45, wherein the thirdlongitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent the first longitudinalrow of staple cavities, wherein the staple drivers are configured tosupport the third staples, and wherein the sled is configured to engagethe staple drivers to eject the third staples from the thirdlongitudinal row of staple cavities during the firing stroke.

Example 47

The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 45, further comprising aplurality of staple drivers configured to support the third staples andbe engaged by the sled to eject the third staples from the thirdlongitudinal row of staple cavities during the firing stroke.

Example 48

The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 42, 43, and 44, wherein thecartridge body further comprises a third longitudinal row of staplecavities, wherein the staple cartridge assembly further comprises aplurality of third staples removably stored in the third longitudinalrow of staple cavities, wherein each third staple is formed from flatstock and comprises an integrally-formed driver, and wherein the sled isconfigured to directly engage the integrally-formed drivers of the thirdstaples and eject the third staples from the third longitudinal row ofstaple cavities during the firing stroke.

Example 49

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 48, wherein the thirdlongitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent the longitudinal slot,wherein the second longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent thethird longitudinal row of staple cavities, and wherein the secondlongitudinal row of staple cavities is intermediate the firstlongitudinal row of staple cavities and the third longitudinal row ofstaple cavities.

Example 50

A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cutting member and a cartridgebody, wherein the cartridge body includes a deck comprising a proximalend and a distal end, a longitudinal slot defined in the deck, whereinthe longitudinal slot is configured to receive the cutting member, afirst longitudinal row of staple cavities, and a second longitudinal rowof staple cavities. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises asled movable toward the distal end by the cutting member during a firingstroke and a plurality of first staples removably stored in the firstlongitudinal row of staple cavities, wherein each first staple iscomprised of a bent wire. The staple cartridge assembly also comprises aplurality of staple drivers configured to support the first staples,wherein the sled is configured to engage the staple drivers to eject thefirst staples from the first longitudinal row of staple cavities duringthe firing stroke, and, in addition, a plurality of second staplesremovably stored in the second longitudinal row of staple cavities,wherein the second staples are stamped from one or more metal sheets,and wherein the sled is configured to directly engage the second staplesand eject the second staples from the second longitudinal row of staplecavities during the firing stroke.

Example 51

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 50, wherein the firstlongitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent the longitudinal slot,and wherein the first longitudinal row of staple cavities isintermediate the longitudinal slot and the second longitudinal row ofstaple cavities.

Example 52

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 50, wherein the secondlongitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent the longitudinal slot,and wherein the second longitudinal row of staple cavities isintermediate the longitudinal slot and the first longitudinal row ofstaple cavities.

Example 53

The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 50, 51, and 52, wherein thecartridge body further comprises a third longitudinal row of staplecavities, wherein the staple cartridge assembly further comprises aplurality of third staples removably stored in the third longitudinalrow of staple cavities, and wherein each third staple is comprised of abent wire.

Example 54

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 53, wherein the thirdlongitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent the first longitudinalrow of staple cavities, wherein the staple drivers are configured tosupport the third staples, and wherein the sled is configured to engagethe staple drivers to eject the third staples from the thirdlongitudinal row of staple cavities during the firing stroke.

Example 55

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 53, further comprising aplurality of staple drivers configured to support the third staples andbe engaged by the sled to eject the third staples from the thirdlongitudinal row of staple cavities during the firing stroke.

Example 56

The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55,wherein the cartridge body further comprises a third longitudinal row ofstaple cavities, wherein the staple cartridge assembly further comprisesa plurality of third staples removably stored in the third longitudinalrow of staple cavities, wherein the third staples are formed from one ormore metal sheets, and wherein the sled is configured to directly engagethe third staples and eject the third staples from the thirdlongitudinal row of staple cavities during the firing stroke.

Example 57

The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 50, 51, and 52, wherein thethird longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacent the longitudinalslot, wherein the second longitudinal row of staple cavities is adjacentthe third longitudinal row of staple cavities, and wherein the secondlongitudinal row of staple cavities is intermediate the firstlongitudinal row of staple cavities and the third longitudinal row ofstaple cavities.

Example 58

A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body including a deckcomprising a proximal end and a distal end, a longitudinal slot definedin the deck, wherein the longitudinal slot is configured to receive afiring member, and a plurality of staple cavities. The staple cartridgeassembly further comprises a sled movable toward the distal end by thefiring member during a firing stroke, a plurality of first staplesremovably stored in the staple cavities, wherein each first staple iscomprised of a bent wire, and, in addition, a plurality of stapledrivers, wherein the sled is configured to engage the staple drivers toeject the first staples from the staple cavities during the firingstroke. The staple cartridge assembly also comprises a plurality ofsecond staples removably stored in the staple cavities, wherein eachsecond staple is formed from flat stock and comprises anintegrally-formed driver, and wherein the sled is configured to directlyengage the integrally-formed drivers of the second staples and eject thesecond staples from the staple cavities during the firing stroke.

Example 59

A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body including aproximal end, a distal end, a deck configured to support the tissue of apatient, and a plurality of staple cavities defined in the deck. Thestaple cartridge assembly also comprises a plurality of metal staplesremovably stored in the staple cavities, wherein each metal staplecomprises a crown comprising a tissue contacting surface, a first legconnected to the crown, a second leg connected to the crown, and adriver integrally formed with the crown. In addition, the staplecartridge assembly comprises a sled movable toward the distal end duringa firing stroke, wherein the sled is configured to directly engage thedrivers of the metal staples and move each metal staple between anunfired position and a fired position during the firing stroke, whereinthe tissue contacting surfaces of the crowns are positioned above thedeck when the metal staples are in the fired position, and wherein thedrivers of the metal staples are positioned at least partially below thedeck when the metal staples are in the fired position.

Example 60

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 59, wherein the cartridge bodyfurther comprises guides extending from the deck which are configured tosupport and guide the staple legs above the deck as the metal staplesare moved into the fired position, and wherein the tissue contactingsurfaces of the crowns are at least partially positioned above theguides when the metal staples are in the fired position.

Example 61

The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 59 and 60, wherein the sledcomprises one or more drive surfaces configured to engage the drivers ofthe metal staples, wherein each drive surface comprises a top surface,and wherein the top surface of each drive surface is entirely below thedeck.

Example 62

A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body including aproximal end, a distal end, a deck configured to support the tissue of apatient, and a staple cavity defined in the deck. The staple cartridgeassembly further comprises a staple removably stored in the staplecavity, wherein the staple includes a crown comprising a tissue engagingsurface, a first leg extending from the crown, a second leg extendingfrom the crown, and a driver integrally formed with the crown. Inaddition, the staple cartridge assembly comprises a sled movable towardthe distal end during a firing stroke, wherein the sled is configured todirectly engage the driver of the staple and move the staple between anunfired position and a fired position during the firing stroke, whereinthe tissue engaging surface of the crown is positioned at leastpartially above the deck when the staple is in the fired position, andwherein the driver is positioned at least partially below the deck whenthe staple is in the fired position.

Example 63

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 62, wherein the cartridge bodyfurther comprises a guide extending from the deck which is configured tosupport and guide the first staple leg above the deck as the staple ismoved into the fired position, and wherein the tissue contacting surfaceof the crown is at least partially positioned above the guide when thestaple is in the fired position.

Example 64

The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 62 and 63, wherein the sledcomprises a drive surface configured to engage the driver of the staple,wherein the drive surface comprises a top surface, and wherein the topsurface is entirely below the deck.

Example 65

A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body including aproximal end, a distal end, a deck configured to support the tissue of apatient, and a staple cavity defined in the deck. The staple cartridgeassembly further comprises a staple removably stored in the staplecavity, wherein the staple includes a crown comprising a tissue engagingsurface, a first leg extending from the crown, a second leg extendingfrom the crown, and a driver integrally formed with the crown. Thestaple cartridge assembly also comprises a firing member movable towardthe distal end during a firing stroke, wherein the firing member isconfigured to directly engage the driver of the staple and move thestaple between an unfired position and a fired position during thefiring stroke, wherein the tissue engaging surface of the crown ispositioned entirely above the deck when the staple is in the firedposition, and wherein the driver is positioned entirely below the deckwhen the staple is in the fired position.

Example 66

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 65, wherein the cartridge bodyfurther comprises a guide extending from the deck which is configured tosupport and guide the first staple leg above the deck as the staple ismoved into the fired position, and wherein the tissue contacting surfaceof the crown is entirely partially positioned above the guide when thestaple is in the fired position.

Example 67

The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 65 and 66, wherein the firingmember comprises a drive surface configured to engage the driver of thestaple, wherein the drive surface comprises a top surface, and whereinthe top surface is entirely below the deck.

Example 68

A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body, including adeck configured to support the tissue of a patient, a longitudinal slotdefined in the deck, wherein the longitudinal slot defines alongitudinal slot axis, wherein the longitudinal slot is configured toreceive a cutting member, and wherein the deck comprises a first deckportion on a first side of the longitudinal slot and a second deckportion on a second side of the longitudinal slot. The cartridge bodyfurther comprises a first row of staple cavities defined in the firstdeck portion adjacent the longitudinal slot, wherein the first row ofstaple cavities is defined along a first longitudinal axis, and whereina first distance is defined between the first longitudinal axis and thelongitudinal slot axis. The cartridge body also comprises a second rowof staple cavities defined in the second deck portion adjacent thelongitudinal slot, wherein the second row of staple cavities is definedalong a second longitudinal axis, wherein a second distance is definedbetween the second longitudinal axis and the longitudinal slot axis, andwherein the second distance is different than the first distance. Thestaple cartridge assembly further comprises staples removably stored inthe first row of staple cavities and the second row of staple cavities.

Example 69

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 68, further comprising a sled,wherein the sled comprises a first longitudinal ramp configured to ejectthe staples from the first row of staple cavities and a secondlongitudinal ramp configured to eject the staples from the second row ofstaple cavities.

Example 70

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 69, wherein the first distanceis defined between the first longitudinal ramp and the longitudinal slotaxis, and wherein the second distance is defined between the secondlongitudinal ramp and the longitudinal slot axis.

Example 71

A fastener cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body including adeck configured to support the tissue of a patient and a longitudinalslot defined in the deck, wherein the longitudinal slot defines alongitudinal slot axis, wherein the longitudinal slot is configured toreceive a cutting member, and wherein the deck comprises a first deckportion on a first side of the longitudinal slot and a second deckportion on a second side of the longitudinal slot. The cartridge bodyfurther comprises a first row of fastener cavities defined in the firstdeck portion adjacent to the longitudinal slot, wherein the first row offastener cavities is defined along a first longitudinal axis, andwherein a first distance is defined between the first longitudinal axisand the longitudinal slot axis. The cartridge body also comprises asecond row of fastener cavities defined in the second deck portionadjacent the longitudinal slot, wherein the second row of fastenercavities is defined along a second longitudinal axis, wherein a seconddistance is defined between the second longitudinal axis and thelongitudinal slot axis, and wherein the second distance is differentthan the first distance. The fastener cartridge assembly furthercomprises fasteners removably stored in the first row of fastenercavities and the second row of fastener cavities, wherein the fastenersare formed from one or more sheets of material.

Example 72

The fastener cartridge assembly of Example 71, wherein the first row offastener cavities is closer to the longitudinal slot than the second rowof fastener cavities.

Example 73

The fastener cartridge assembly of Example 71, wherein the second row offastener cavities is closer to the longitudinal slot than the first rowof fastener cavities.

Example 74

The fastener cartridge assembly of Examples 71, 72, and 73, furthercomprising a sled, wherein the sled comprises a first longitudinal rampconfigured to eject the fasteners from the first row of fastenercavities and a second longitudinal ramp configured to eject thefasteners from the second row of fastener cavities.

Example 75

The fastener cartridge assembly of Example 74, wherein the firstlongitudinal ramp is positioned closer to the longitudinal slot than thesecond longitudinal ramp.

Example 76

The fastener cartridge assembly of Example 74, wherein the secondlongitudinal ramp is positioned closer to the longitudinal slot than thefirst longitudinal ramp.

Example 77

A staple cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge body including a deckconfigured to support the tissue of a patient and a longitudinal slotdefined in the deck, wherein the longitudinal slot is configured toreceive a cutting member, and wherein the deck comprises a first deckportion on a first side of the longitudinal slot and a second deckportion on a second side of the longitudinal slot. The cartridge bodyfurther comprises a first row of staple cavities defined in the firstdeck portion adjacent the longitudinal slot, and wherein a firstdistance is defined between the first row of staple cavities and thelongitudinal slot. The cartridge body also comprises a second row ofstaple cavities defined in the second deck portion adjacent thelongitudinal slot, and wherein a second distance is defined between thesecond row of staple cavities and the longitudinal slot, and wherein thesecond distance is different than the first distance. The staplecartridge assembly further comprises staples removably stored in thefirst row of staple cavities and the second row of staple cavities.

Example 78

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 77, further comprising a sled,wherein the sled includes a first longitudinal ramp configured to ejectthe staples from the first row of staple cavities and a secondlongitudinal ramp configured to eject the staples from the second row ofstaple cavities.

Example 79

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 78, wherein the first distanceis defined between the first longitudinal ramp and the longitudinalslot, and wherein the second distance is defined between secondlongitudinal ramp and the longitudinal slot.

Example 80

The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 78 and 79, wherein each staplecomprises a crown, a cam portion integrally formed with the crown,wherein the sled is configured to directly engage the cam portion, and atissue clenching portion offset from the cam portion.

Example 81

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 80, wherein the cam portions ofthe staples are positioned closer to the longitudinal slot than thetissue clenching portions.

Example 82

The staple cartridge assembly of Example 80, wherein the tissueclenching portions of the staples are positioned closer to thelongitudinal slot than the cam portions.

Example 83

The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, and 82,wherein the first distance is shorter than the second distance.

Example 84

The staple cartridge assembly of Examples 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, and 82,wherein the second distance is shorter than the first distance.

The surgical instrument systems described herein have been described inconnection with the deployment and deformation of staples; however, theembodiments described herein are not so limited. Various embodiments areenvisioned which deploy fasteners other than staples, such as clamps ortacks, for example. Moreover, various embodiments are envisioned whichutilize any suitable means for sealing tissue. For instance, an endeffector in accordance with various embodiments can comprise electrodesconfigured to heat and seal the tissue. Also, for instance, an endeffector in accordance with certain embodiments can apply vibrationalenergy to seal the tissue.

The entire disclosures of:

-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/822,970, entitled ADAPTER    ASSEMBLY FOR INTERCONNECTING ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICES AND    SURGICAL LOADING UNITS, AND SURGICAL SYSTEMS THEREOF, filed on Aug.    11, 2015, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0342603;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/921,890, entitled APPARATUS FOR    ENDOSCOPIC PROCEDURES, filed on Jun. 19, 2013, now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2013/0282052;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/924,054, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLING APPARATUS, filed on Jun. 21, 2013, now U.S. Patent    Application Publication No. 2014/0263545;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/257,063, entitled ADAPTER    ASSEMBLY WITH GIMBAL FOR INTERCONNECTING ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL    DEVICES AND SURGICAL LOADING UNITS, AND SURGICAL SYSTEMS THEREOF,    filed Apr. 21, 2014, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.    2015/0297199;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/674,152, entitled DISPOSABLE    HOUSINGS FOR ENCASING HANDLE ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS OF USE, filed    Mar. 31, 2015, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.    2015/0366560;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/672,973, entitled ADAPTER    ASSEMBLY FOR INTERCONNECTING ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL DEVICES AND    SURGICAL LOADING UNITS, AND SURGICAL SYSTEMS THEREOF, filed Mar. 30,    2015, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0374366;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/672,731, entitled ADAPTER    ASSEMBLIES FOR INTERCONNECTING ELECTROMECHANICAL HANDLE ASSEMBLIES    AND SURGICAL LOADING UNITS, filed Mar. 30, 2015, now U.S. Patent    Application No. 2015/0374449; and-   European Patent Application Publication No. EP 3005956 A1, entitled    STAPLE CARTRIDGE WITH SHIPPING WEDGE, which published on Apr. 13,    2016; and-   PCT Publication No. WO 2016/057225 A1, entitled HANDHELD    ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL SYSTEM, which published on Apr. 14, 2016,    are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

The entire disclosures of:

-   European Patent Application No. EP 795298, entitled LINEAR STAPLER    WITH IMPROVED FIRING STROKE, which was filed on Mar. 12, 1997;-   U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,272, entitled TRIGGER MECHANISM FOR SURGICAL    INSTRUMENTS, which issued on Feb. 25, 1997;-   U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,543, entitled LINEAR STAPLER WITH IMPROVED    FIRING STROKE, which issued on Dec. 16, 1997;-   U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0246881, entitled    METHOD FOR MAKING A SURGICAL STAPLER, which published on Nov. 10,    2005;-   U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0208359, entitled    METHOD FOR STAPLING TISSUE, which published on Sep. 6, 2007;-   U.S. Pat. No. 4,527,724, entitled DISPOSABLE LINEAR SURGICAL    STAPLING INSTRUMENT, which issued on Jul. 9, 1985;-   U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,198, entitled FAST CLOSURE DEVICE FOR LINEAR    SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT, which issued on Aug. 11, 1992;-   U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,073, entitled FLEXIBLE SUPPORT SHAFT ASSEMBLY,    which issued on Apr. 11, 1995;-   U.S. Pat. No. 8,360,297, entitled SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING    INSTRUMENT WITH SELF ADJUSTING ANVIL, which issued on Jan. 29, 2013;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/813,242, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT COMPRISING SYSTEMS FOR ASSURING THE PROPER SEQUENTIAL    OPERATION OF THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, which was filed on Jul. 30,    2015;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/813,259, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT COMPRISING SEPARATE TISSUE SECURING AND TISSUE CUTTING    SYSTEMS, which was filed on Jul. 30, 2015;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/813,266, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT COMPRISING SYSTEMS FOR PERMITTING THE OPTIONAL    TRANSECTION OF TISSUE, which was filed on Jul. 30, 2015;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/813,274, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SYSTEM FOR BYPASSING AN OPERATIONAL STEP OF    THE SURGICAL INSTRUMENT; which was filed on Jul. 30, 2015;-   U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,312, entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE,    which issued on Apr. 4, 1995;-   U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,818, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT    HAVING SEPARATE DISTINCT CLOSING AND FIRING SYSTEMS, which issued on    Feb. 21, 2006;-   U.S. Pat. No. 7,422,139, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND    FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH TACTILE POSITION FEEDBACK, which issued on    Sep. 9, 2008;-   U.S. Pat. No. 7,464,849, entitled ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS, which    issued on Dec. 16, 2008;-   U.S. Pat. No. 7,670,334, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN    ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR, which issued on Mar. 2, 2010;-   U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,245, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS,    which issued on Jul. 13, 2010;-   U.S. Pat. No. 8,393,514, entitled SELECTIVELY ORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLE    FASTENER CARTRIDGE, which issued on Mar. 12, 2013;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,803, entitled SURGICAL    INSTRUMENT HAVING RECORDING CAPABILITIES; now U.S. Pat. No.    7,845,537;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,573, entitled SURGICAL    CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT HAVING RF ELECTRODES, filed Feb.    14, 2008;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,873, entitled END EFFECTORS    FOR A SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 15, 2008,    now U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,443;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/235,782, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN    SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,210,411;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/249,117, entitled POWERED    SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING APPARATUS WITH MANUALLY RETRACTABLE    FIRING SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,608,045;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/647,100, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN    SURGICAL CUTTING INSTRUMENT WITH ELECTRIC ACTUATOR DIRECTIONAL    CONTROL ASSEMBLY, filed Dec. 24, 2009; now U.S. Pat. No. 8,220,688;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/893,461, entitled STAPLE    CARTRIDGE, filed Sep. 29, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,733,613;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/036,647, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLING INSTRUMENT, filed Feb. 28, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No.    8,561,870;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL    STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS,    now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/524,049, entitled ARTICULATABLE    SURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, filed on Jun. 15,    2012; now U.S. Pat. No. 9,101,358;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,025, entitled STAPLE    CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013,    now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263551;-   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,067, entitled STAPLE    CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM, filed on Mar. 13, 2013,    now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0263552;-   U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0175955, entitled    SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH CLOSURE TRIGGER    LOCKING MECHANISM, filed Jan. 31, 2006; and-   U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0264194, entitled    SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR,    filed Apr. 22, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,040, are hereby    incorporated by reference herein.

Although various devices have been described herein in connection withcertain embodiments, modifications and variations to those embodimentsmay be implemented. Also, where materials are disclosed for certaincomponents, other materials may be used. Furthermore, according tovarious embodiments, a single component may be replaced by multiplecomponents, and multiple components may be replaced by a singlecomponent, to perform a given function or functions. The foregoingdescription and following claims are intended to cover all suchmodification and variations.

The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after asingle use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In eithercase, however, a device can be reconditioned for reuse after at leastone use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the stepsincluding, but not limited to, the disassembly of the device, followedby cleaning or replacement of particular pieces of the device, andsubsequent reassembly of the device. In particular, a reconditioningfacility and/or surgical team can disassemble a device and, aftercleaning and/or replacing particular parts of the device, the device canbe reassembled for subsequent use. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety oftechniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use ofsuch techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all withinthe scope of the present application.

The devices disclosed herein may be processed before surgery. First, anew or used instrument may be obtained and, when necessary, cleaned. Theinstrument may then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, theinstrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plasticor TYVEK bag. The container and instrument may then be placed in a fieldof radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation,x-rays, and/or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria onthe instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument may thenbe stored in the sterile container. The sealed container may keep theinstrument sterile until it is opened in a medical facility. A devicemay also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art,including but not limited to beta radiation, gamma radiation, ethyleneoxide, plasma peroxide, and/or steam.

While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, thepresent invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope ofthe disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover anyvariations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its generalprinciples.

Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or inpart, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein isincorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materialsdo not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or otherdisclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to theextent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth hereinsupersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference.Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated byreference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions,statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only beincorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between thatincorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical stapling system, comprising: a shaftcomprising a proximal end and a distal end; an end effector extendingfrom said distal end of said shaft, wherein said end effector is movablebetween an open configuration and a closed configuration, and whereinsaid end effector comprises: a frame; and an anvil extending distallyfrom said frame, wherein said anvil comprises a longitudinal row offorming pockets; a first staple cartridge assembly attachable to saidend effector, comprising: a first cartridge body comprising a firstlongitudinal row of staple cavities; a plurality of first staplesremovably stored in said first longitudinal row of staple cavities,wherein each said first staple is comprised of a bent wire, and whereineach said first staple is aligned with a said forming pocket when saidend effector is in said closed configuration; and a plurality of driversconfigured to push said first staples out of said first longitudinal rowof staple cavities; and a second staple cartridge assembly attachable tosaid end effector in lieu of said first staple cartridge assembly,wherein said second staple cartridge assembly, comprises: a secondcartridge body comprising a second longitudinal row of staple cavities;and a plurality of second staples removably stored in said secondlongitudinal row of staple cavities, wherein each said second staple isstamped from a sheet of flat stock and comprises an integral drivercomprising an integrally-stamped cam surface, and wherein each saidsecond staple is aligned with a said forming pocket when said endeffector is in said closed configuration.
 2. The surgical staplingsystem of claim 1, wherein each said forming pocket comprises a proximalforming cup and a distal forming cup.
 3. The surgical stapling system ofclaim 2, wherein each said first staple comprises a proximal leg formedby a said proximal forming cup and a distal leg formed by a said distalforming cup.
 4. The surgical stapling system of claim 3, wherein eachsaid second staple comprises a proximal leg formed by a said proximalforming cup and a distal leg formed by a said distal forming cup.
 5. Thesurgical stapling system of claim 1, wherein said end effector furthercomprises a jaw configured to receive: said first staple cartridgeassembly; and said second staple cartridge assembly in lieu of saidfirst staple cartridge assembly.
 6. The surgical stapling system ofclaim 5, wherein said jaw is rotatable relative to said anvil to placesaid end effector in said closed configuration.
 7. The surgical staplingsystem of claim 5, wherein said anvil is rotatable relative to said jawto place said end effector in said closed configuration.
 8. The surgicalstapling system of claim 1, wherein said first staple cartridge assemblycomprises a first jaw attachable to said frame, and wherein said secondstaple cartridge assembly comprises a second jaw attachable to saidframe.
 9. The surgical stapling system of claim 8, wherein said anvil isrotatable relative to said frame to place said end effector in saidclosed configuration.
 10. The surgical stapling system of claim 8,wherein said first jaw is rotatable relative to said frame to place saidend effector in said closed configuration when said first jaw isattached to said frame, and wherein said second jaw is rotatablerelative to said frame to place said end effector in said closedconfiguration when said second jaw is attached to said frame.
 11. Thesurgical stapling system of claim 1, wherein said second staplescomprise a unitary piece of material.
 12. The surgical stapling systemof claim 11, wherein said unitary piece of material comprises a unitarypiece of metal.
 13. The surgical stapling system of claim 11, whereinsaid unitary piece of material comprises said integral driver.
 14. Asurgical stapling system, comprising: a shaft comprising a proximal endand a distal end; an end effector extending from said distal end of saidshaft, wherein said end effector is movable between an unclampedconfiguration and a clamped configuration, and wherein said end effectorcomprises: a frame; and an anvil extending distally from said frame,wherein said anvil comprises a longitudinal row of forming pockets; afirst staple cartridge assembly attachable to said end effector,comprising: a first cartridge body comprising a first longitudinal rowof staple cavities; a plurality of first staples removably stored insaid first longitudinal row of staple cavities, wherein each said firststaple is comprised of a bent wire, and wherein each said first stapleis aligned with a said forming pocket when said end effector is in saidclamped configuration; and a plurality of drivers configured to supportsaid first staples; and a second staple cartridge assembly attachable tosaid end effector as an alternative to said first staple cartridgeassembly, wherein said second staple cartridge assembly, comprises: asecond cartridge body comprising a second longitudinal row of staplecavities; and a plurality of second staples removably stored in saidsecond longitudinal row of staple cavities, wherein said second staplesare stamped from one or more flat sheets of material, wherein each saidsecond staple comprises an integral driver comprising anintegrally-stamped cam surface, and wherein each said second staple isaligned with a said forming pocket when said end effector is in saidclamped configuration.
 15. The surgical stapling system of claim 14,wherein each said forming pocket comprises a proximal forming cup and adistal forming cup.
 16. The surgical stapling system of claim 15,wherein each said first staple comprises a proximal leg formed by a saidproximal forming cup and a distal leg formed by a said distal formingcup.
 17. The surgical stapling system of claim 16, wherein each saidsecond staple comprises a proximal leg formed by a said proximal formingcup and a distal leg formed by a said distal forming cup.
 18. Thesurgical stapling system of claim 14, wherein said end effector furthercomprises a jaw configured to receive: said first staple cartridgeassembly; and said second staple cartridge assembly as an alternative tosaid first staple cartridge assembly.
 19. The surgical stapling systemof claim 18, wherein said jaw is rotatable relative to said anvil toplace said end effector in said clamped configuration.
 20. The surgicalstapling system of claim 18, wherein said anvil is rotatable relative tosaid jaw to place said end effector in said clamped configuration. 21.The surgical stapling system of claim 14, wherein said first staplecartridge assembly comprises a first jaw attachable to said frame, andwherein said second staple cartridge assembly comprises a second jawattachable to said frame.
 22. The surgical stapling system of claim 21,wherein said anvil is rotatable relative to said frame to place said endeffector in said clamped configuration.
 23. The surgical stapling systemof claim 21, wherein said first jaw is rotatable relative to said frameto place said end effector in said clamped configuration when said firstjaw is attached to said frame, and wherein said second jaw is rotatablerelative to said frame to place said end effector in said clampedconfiguration when said second jaw is attached to said frame.
 24. Asurgical fastening system, comprising: a shaft comprising a proximal endand a distal end; an end effector extending from said distal end of saidshaft, wherein said end effector is movable between an openconfiguration and a closed configuration, and wherein said end effectorcomprises: a frame; and an anvil extending distally from said frame,wherein said anvil comprises forming pockets; a first fastener cartridgeassembly attachable to said end effector, comprising: a first cartridgebody comprising first fastener cavities; a plurality of first fastenersremovably stored in said first fastener cavities, wherein each saidfirst fastener is comprised of a bent wire, and wherein said firstfastener cavities are aligned with said forming pockets when said endeffector is in said closed configuration; and a plurality of driversconfigured to support said first fasteners; and a second fastenercartridge assembly attachable to said end effector in lieu of said firstfastener cartridge assembly, wherein said second fastener cartridgeassembly, comprises: a second cartridge body comprising second fastenercavities; and a plurality of second fasteners removably stored in saidsecond fastener cavities, wherein each said second fastener is stampedfrom a sheet of flat stock and comprises an integral driver comprisingan integrally-stamped cam surface, and wherein said second fastenercavities are aligned with said forming pockets when said end effector isin said closed configuration.